Ask HN: Alternatives to Claude (Code)?

Hello all, been trying to switch away from Claude Code and have been trailing this:

- Harness: Opencode (via Openchamber) - Subscription: GitHub Copilot (50$) - API Usage (beyond subscription): Open router - Free models: Opencode go

Here's the models I've trialed and like:

- Large (alternative to Opus): GPT 5.3 Codex - Medium (alternative to Sonnet): Minimax 2.7 - Smol: GPT 5.4 mini

these models are not yet on par to their respective Claude alternatives for me, but maybe I need to switch to something else or tune them, what have you been using?

Also looking for nice Opencode plugins, skills, completion providers (alternative to Cursor that I could use with Zen).

Happy to hear about your choices and experience

2 points | by vixalien 1 hour ago

1 comments

  • SunshineTheCat 50 minutes ago
    I ping pong back and forth between claude code and codex.

    In my experience (very subjective, obviously) for backend/"logical" tasks Codex seems to outperform Claude.

    For front-end/UX related tasks Claude wins easily.

    Overall, Claude does seem to be a little better in other areas too.

    Codex's biggest advantage in my personal opinion, however, is usage. I think maybe once in several months did I even get close to hitting my limit with the $20 plan.

    With Claude, however, I feel like I can sneeze and half my weekly usage is gone. Same $20 price tag.

    That's been my experience, I'm sure it differs user to user though.

    • vixalien 36 minutes ago
      nice, I have been hearing about Codex a lot, so I will def try it